STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Nearly a week after it was successfully introduced in New Jersey, Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed an emergency order to establish odd-even gas rationing in New York City.

Bloomberg said the rationing is "the best way to cut down the lines and help customers buy gas faster." He added: "Even as the region's petroleum infrastructure slowly returns to normal, the gasoline supply remains a real problem for thousands of New York drivers."

The odd-even system goes into effect at 6 a.m. Friday and stays in effect until further notice.

Here's how it works, according to details announced by Bloomberg's office:

• Vehicles with license plates ending in an even number or the number "0" can make purchases of motor fuel on even numbered days.

• Vehicles with license plates ending in an odd number can make purchases of motor fuel on odd numbered days.

• Vehicles with licenses plates ending in a letter or other character can make purchases on odd numbered days.

Some vehicles are exempt from the order: all commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, buses and paratransit vehicles, Medical Doctor (MD) plates and vehicles licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Expect the system to be a hit on Staten Island. More than 80 percent of 1,400+ who answered our online poll said the borough needs it now.